Easy Korean Beef!

Easy Korean Beef! is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Matthew Augusta on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 20 min

Cost: $5.95 total, $1.49 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 lean, break up with a spoon while cooking)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or sea salt)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 2 medium Shallots (Finely minced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (Minced)
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon Korean Chili Flakes (Gochugaru)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (Toasted sesame oil for flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons Cilantro (Chopped)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (Mixed with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon Water (For cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Finely mince the shallots, garlic, and ginger. Chop cilantro and slice green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Brown the Beef

    Heat a little oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up, until about halfway done (≈4 minutes).

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  3. Add Aromatics

    Add the minced shallots, garlic, and ginger to the beef. Stir‑cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  4. Build the Sauce

    Pour in soy sauce, sugar, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, Korean chili flakes, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Thicken and Finish

    Stir in lime juice, cilantro, green onion, and the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef, about 2–3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Serve

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce leaves.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
15g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Gluten‑containing, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Wheat (soy sauce)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Easy Korean Beef!

Recipe by Matthew Augusta

A quick and flavorful Korean‑style ground beef dish that comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this recipe uses pantry staples like soy sauce, sriracha, and gochugaru for authentic heat and depth.

EasyKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
9m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.95
Total cost
$1.49
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the beef only until halfway before adding aromatics prevents over‑cooking.
  • Adding garlic and ginger for just 30 seconds avoids bitterness.
  • Incorporating the cornstarch slurry at the end ensures a glossy, thick sauce without lumps.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatters.
  • Ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Use a stable cutting board and keep fingers away from the knife blade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Korean Beef (ground) in Korean cuisine?

A

Ground beef dishes like this are modern adaptations of traditional Korean stir‑fries that use minced meat (soegogi bokkeum). They reflect Korea’s post‑war embrace of quick, protein‑rich meals and are often served with rice as a comforting everyday dish.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Korean Beef dishes in Korea?

A

In the south, beef may be marinated longer and paired with gochujang, while northern styles favor milder soy‑based sauces. Some regions add fermented soybean paste (doenjang) or Korean pear puree for sweetness.

cultural
Q

How is Korean Beef traditionally served in Korean households?

A

It is typically served hot over a bowl of steamed short‑grain rice, accompanied by banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, pickled radish, and a fresh lettuce wrap for making ssam.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Korean Beef commonly associated with in Korean culture?

A

While not a ceremonial dish, Korean Beef is a staple for family meals, quick weeknight dinners, and gatherings where a hearty, shareable protein is needed, such as after school or work.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients give Korean Beef its distinctive flavor compared to other Asian beef dishes?

A

The combination of soy sauce, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), sesame oil, and a touch of rice wine vinegar creates the signature sweet‑savory‑spicy balance unique to Korean cuisine.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Easy Korean Beef?

A

Serve it alongside kimchi, Korean cucumber salad (oi muchim), or a simple seaweed soup. It also works well with japchae (stir‑fried glass noodles) or bibimbap for a complete meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Korean Beef?

A

Over‑cooking the garlic, adding too much cornstarch, or cooking the beef until fully done before the sauce can lead to a bitter or dry dish. Follow the timing steps to keep the meat juicy and the sauce glossy.

technical
Q

Why does this Easy Korean Beef recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of reducing the sauce longer?

A

The slurry quickly thickens the sauce without over‑reducing, preserving the bright lime and fresh herb flavors. A longer reduction could make the sauce overly salty and dark.

technical
Q

Can I make Easy Korean Beef ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the beef and sauce can be cooked up to two days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Matthew Augusta specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Matthew Augusta focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked recipes that blend classic comfort food with global flavors, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials for busy home cooks.

channel

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